Underwater Melon League, or its abbreviation UML, is a sport played under apnea(breath hold), in a swimming pool of 3-4m meters depth.

UML was established in 2019 by Mark Cheung with A42 Freediving Club Members Inspired by our Local UW Rugby Club (UWR), and Underwater Torpedo League team(UTL) in LA, who plays with a torpedo. It was used as a fun training activity to improve aquatic and breath hold techniques during freediving training. It is inspired by a medley of sports, such as underwater rugby, netball, freediving and even Quidditch!

There are two sides in a game, each team consisting of 3-6 players. Players don their fins, masks and snorkels, and pass a melon-sized ball to their teammates in order to score in their opponent’s goal. UML is a low impact, non-contact sport which relies on agility, speed, and support between team members. The rules of gameplay are constantly being improved by our enthusiastic team, who enjoy the sport and see it as a fun way to train underwater endurance, physical stamina, hand-eye coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Rules here

1. General Rule Ø Use UML padded cap to improve gameplay visibility and safety. Ø Remove watches, big earrings, arm accessories, weights. Ø Compulsory to use: snorkel, mask, fins (no fins during a no fins match) Ø No 2-piece swimsuit (i.e. bikini) due to the nature of the activity Ø Maximum 2-8 per group (team size can be increased with substitutes on the side) Ø Keep 1 hand on the ledge while waiting for countdown of game to start Ø Unsporting or provocative behavior will be given warning & ban if behavior continues 2. Personal equipment • Use equipment without sharp edges • Avoid carbon fins for UML 3. Team Leader • TLs to set the roles of the team members. • TLs will be rotated at halftime. • Discuss strategies with the team • Ensure team members obey the rules • Provide feedback and improvement tips to newbies   4. Foul 1. Deliberate use of any body part to create intentional or unintentional contact with other players with or without ball [i.e. pushing, pulling, nudging, grabbing, bulldozing are not Allowed]

2. No Direct Passing - Handing the ball hand to hand without passing Ball must be released from the player’s hand to another player during game

3. No Shifting / Grabbing of goal basket

4. Any part of body is not allowed inside the basket. - You are allowed to cover the basket with your hands / arms.-You are not allowed to force / squeeze the ball into the basket when it is covered.

5. Ball outside the playing area (throwing ball above the water surface)

6. No Travelling with the ball on surface

7. Prolong holding of ball on surface (10Seconds - Refeeree to Call)

8. Ball to be passed once before scoring

Fouls Any foul in the following list committed will result in a warning. Thereafter a 1-min penalty will be imposed after a player receives 2nd warning. Stay at home base for 2-min penalty after 3rd Warning.

5. Free throw 1 free throw is given to the opposite team during a foul. Executor of the free throw will take the ball, once s/he brings the ball to the surface, the referee will signal the game to start. Should the executor need more time, s/he can hold the ball without letting it touch the surface

Sign up in the form below! and we will contact you!

Sign up for your first Induction of UML Session First time Joining Options

1. Certified Pool Freedivers @$35 inclusive of equipment
2. Non Freedivers @$75 inclusive of equipment
3. Use A42 existing package session to join Our trainer will guide you with the following

• Introduction to UML
• Theory & Rules
• Snorkel & Finning
• Duckdives & Passing
• Join Gameplay

Any requirements to join? I am not very confident in water! But I’m interested!

Minimum requirement comfortable with swimming.

UML is a good place to start and learn to be comfortable underwater.

Getting comfortable and learning the basic equipment.

Our UML team of consists of experienced swimmers, freedivers, coaches and instructors. This makes it a good place to start!

We have also have our UML trainers to guide beginners into the game.

First time Joining Options

1. Certified Pool Freedivers @$35 inclusive of equipment
2. Non Freedivers @$75 inclusive of equipment
3. Use A42 existing package session to join

Subsequent Time / Regulars

1. Drop in Fee $25 excluding equipment
2. Use A42 Training Package Session

Equipment Rental

$15 (Masks/Fins)

Ad Hoc Fridays @ MGS 745 - 945

“You learnt the spirit of teamwork, mindfulness and pushing your limits in UML!”— Edward Tan, UML Player “Takes your breath away”— Andrey Kolbasov

“Never knew choosing between scoring and breathing is such a tough choice to make.Never knew choosing to score is so empowering.The lesson that i’ve learnt from that one “1-second decision” have taught me so much about myself introspectively.I have to absolutely agree with one of my UML team mate: “It takes my breath away”.— Jacky, Breatheology Instructor

“The only team-playing sport where you have a clear open goal but turn back to pass the ball to your team mate so he/she can have the opportunity to score too”— Paola Seow “STAY FIT WHILE HAVING FUN”— Judee, UML Player “Look left, look right, look up, look down. There’s always a new way to score 😉”— Andrew Tang